Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Circulating the Green

Blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Company
May 2, 2011 2:15 PM ET

Taiga Company blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Compa…

While many procurement organizations target immediate return, such as cost savings, the more progressive supply chain actions are focused on broader business performance measures.  Traditionally defined, almost exclusively by the ability to secure supply and mitigate disruptions, today’s supply chain function is now expected to play a more important role in the stability of the company. 

Resulting largely from the recent economic recession and the cash strains experience by even the largest of firms, the need for greater insight and control of capital has become a high priority.  Described in the article, Smart working capital management, certain working capital improvements should be spearheaded by procurement professionals.  Focusing on ‘days payable outstanding’, a supply chain aligned with this traditional financially-driven cash cycle concern is positioned to add business sustainability value.   Sustainable business actions can be viewed as activities which have a positive impact on either the inbound or outbound flow of money.  For example most business sustainability concepts can be tied to staled or stimulated monetary circulation.   •    Capital tied-up in procurement and supply chain related expenses, like payables.   •    Capital tied-up in inefficient operations and waste streams.   •    Capital risk for potential environmental and social impacts.   Click here to read more about sustainable supply chain.  

Home to one third of the earth's trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company's vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the "oxygen for your business".